Since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to step away from their royal duties, many have been surprised. However, if you’ve been paying attention, this move shouldn’t come as a shock. From the moment their relationship became public, Meghan faced relentless scrutiny from the British media, which has often been tinged with racism, classism, and sexism. In fact, she even took legal action against a publication for invading her privacy.
Behind the palace walls, who knows what Meghan experienced? And now, just days before her exclusive interview with Oprah, she’s being accused of “bullying” former staff. Really? How about we let Meghan Markle enjoy her life with her husband and expanding family in peace?
What’s ironic is that it seems Meghan has been the one bullied during her time as the Duchess of Sussex. The documented racism and sexism she has faced since her engagement has been severe, yet many, particularly in the UK, hesitate to label her treatment as racist, often due to its subtlety. The media has criticized her for everything, from her choice of nail polish to how she cradles her baby bump. She has been subjected to derogatory stereotypes, with some outlets referring to her as “exotic” and even likening her mother to a “dreadlocked African-American lady from the wrong side of the tracks.” To make matters worse, a BBC host once compared baby Archie to a chimpanzee.
Still not convinced? Media narratives have twisted her contributions, such as her foreword for a charity cookbook, framing it as something sinister. Even a casual meal of avocado toast was mischaracterized as potentially fueling human rights abuses. Articles have even traced her lineage to slavery, as if to remind everyone of her background.
Now, in light of the bullying allegations, if you’ve ever been a Black woman in a position of authority, this narrative may ring alarm bells for you. The stereotype of the “angry Black woman” is a powerful and damaging trope that often undermines assertive Black women. When a woman of color is outspoken or ambitious, she may be labeled as “overbearing” or “hostile.” Voicing concerns or advocating for change can lead to being seen as “demanding” or “uppity.” This stereotype perpetuates the notion that Black women like Meghan don’t belong in certain spaces, such as the royal palace, and have no right to make demands. And heaven forbid a Black woman expresses anger when wronged; that simply cannot be accepted (note the sarcasm).
While I can’t speak to the specifics of the alleged “bullying” claims, the descriptions surrounding them raise red flags for me. Meghan has been painted as “demanding,” accused of “emotional cruelty,” and described in ways that seem exaggerated. Reports of aides feeling “terrified” or “broken” sound strikingly dramatic. The Daily Mail even suggested staff might experience post-traumatic stress akin to soldiers in combat. Now, the Queen is reportedly looking into these bullying claims, which, as a Black woman, appears to be quite overblown.
A common occurrence is a white individual claiming victimhood when a Black woman asserts herself. This phenomenon is known as “white fragility.” As historian Alex Brown aptly noted, “Every Black woman has been in a situation where a white person has accused her of being aggressive simply for stating an opinion.” I have no faith in the narrative painting Meghan as a bully.
Meghan is not the first woman of color to face such allegations, and she certainly won’t be the last. Critics may argue that she knew the scrutiny that came with marrying into royalty, but no one should endure the level of public scrutiny she has faced. She deserves the opportunity to tell her side of the story, and once she does, I hope everyone will leave her alone.
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In summary, Meghan Markle has faced relentless scrutiny, often tinged with racism and sexism, since her relationship with Prince Harry became public. The recent bullying allegations against her seem to echo a troubling pattern of dismissing assertive Black women. She deserves the chance to share her truth and to live her life without the constant judgment of the media.